Wes

Finally, the time for the banquet has arrived and I was busying myself directing waiters and tasting dishes in the kitchen. Until the King, William Terramanz arrived it was my job to keep the guests from becoming restless. Not to mention stopping any fights that may break out and considering a large number of nobles were gathered I expected something to happen during the banquet. I had already witnessed four fights that broke out over the day, and I do not doubt that there were some I missed. The royal knight Commander Sir Joseph was having just as hard a time as he was having to respond to and resolve the fights that broke out, though looking at his face it was hard to tell if he felt anything about it. Guests were not supposed to bring weapons for the banquet but prying their weapons from their hands proved difficult, so Sir Joseph decided to tighten security for the banquet no doubt leaving other areas of the palace unguarded which was a bit worrisome.

Seeing that everything was in order I decided to make an announcement. Clap! Clap! “Good work today everybody! I know how difficult and hectic this day has been and I appreciate your hard work and perseverance in dealing with some of our more troublesome guests. So, to show my appreciation I will make sure that all wages are doubled for the day!” There were some cheers at the announcement, but for the most part it was weak as everybody was exhausted and preferred rest to double wages at the moment.

I decided to add something to the announcement realizing that some people would not be able to work properly. “If you do not want double wages then I will allow those that wish to leave and finish for the day to do so.” Scullions and waiters immediately looked at each other in relief and a decent amount left through the back door of the kitchen.

I do not blame them for their lack of enthusiasm were I not in charge and needed to appear strong I would be the same way as them.

I stepped out of the kitchen into the large dining hall and observed the situation the best I could. I saw the nobles from Vesterwood notorious for their elitism talking amongst themselves the Earl of Vesterwood William Flamberge at the center of the discussion.

I wonder If Oberon has met his father today. No, I doubt he would want to see a man who disowned him, and I do not see someone like William Flamberge reaching out to the son he disowned.

Surrounded by various nobles from Sagittae and other regions he had no doubt visited the first Prince Bertrand and his companions were at the head of the long table with his youngest sister Princess Ludivine and her companions. While the Prince and Princess were being polite and shooing people away nicely Wes saw that some of their companions were not so polite. The Bronze skinned woman who I recalled was named Lady Sirena stood up and clacked her spear on the floor startling the nobles and making them scatter. Granny looked to have singled out a tall gentleman and was saying something to him then he bowed in what I assumed was an apology before quickly leaving. I looked for Sir Raphael among the crowd and found him next to the chef Osmond eating a roasted turkey leg. We locked eyes and gave each other tired smiles.

It surprised me to learn how well Prince Bertrand and little Ludivine got along since they are the siblings with the biggest age difference of 10 years, but it makes sense. They are similar in a lot of ways such as their uninterest in the throne or politics. They are also both carefree in a way and from what Sir Raphael reported Bertrand often planned trips to Leonis where they and their companions got to know each other better. Watching Bertrand enjoying himself with his sister and companions throughout the day has finally made me come to terms with the fact that Bertrand will never be king and perhaps that is a good thing a crown changes a man and not always for the better.

I continued watching them with a smile then made a headcount and determined that almost all guests were in the dining hall. The most obvious missing guests were Sylvain, Lady Alexandria, and Oberon.

I wonder if Oberon knows just how much everybody gathered here today are talking about him and his companion Valeria were it not for him being seen accompanying Lady Alexandria and Sir Foltest throughout the day I do not doubt that some nobles with untoward designs on him and Valeria would have made a move. Though if the rumors are to be believed perhaps they would be able to deal with them. But no matter how I think about it I do not see how that young lady Valeria could fight Sir Foltest. At first, when I heard the rumor I dismissed it but when I met the group of nobles and their companions who claimed to have seen it I did not think they were lying as they were quite enthusiastic, and their story never changed even when questioned separately. They all said the same thing, Sir Foltest Swung his clothed greatsword down in a two-handed chop and was parried then pushed back by Oberon's attendant. One of them even had a piece of cloth that he claimed came from the same cloth that Sir Foltest used to wrap his greatsword with. Truth or not the rumor has spread so far that I fear all eyes will be on them when they arrive.

As if on cue the large wooden doors that led to the dining hall creaked open and Lady Alexandria, Sir Foltest, and Brigette entered. Everybody stopping their conversations and stared her way and then Oberon entered behind them with his attendant Valeria behind him pushing his wheelchair. That was when the hushed whispers began.

“That’s her the one who fought Sir Foltest!”

“She’s far more beautiful up close.”

“So that’s the crippled lord.”

“What’s she doing with a cripple?”

“Look at Sir Foltests clothed greatsword there is a tear in the cloth!”

“It’s true! So did she do it?”

Noticing that they were at the center of attention Lady Alexandria and her companions quickly found an empty spot on the long table and sat down Sir Foltest on her right setting his greatsword down next to him and Brigette on her left. Valeria followed close by pushing Oberon to the seat across from Lady Alexandria. She moved the seat to make room for his wheelchair and then sat next to him across from Sir Foltest. Once again the dining hall descended into silence until Sir Foltest spoke.

“Wes! I thought this was supposed to be a banquet! where is the food!? And why is it so quiet!? I cannot believe that you nobles have nothing to say on such a grand occasion!” Sir Foltests booming voice seemed to vibrate off of glass and acted as the trigger for everybody to resume their previous activities.

I signaled for waiters to fetch food and went over to talk to Lady Alexandria and her group. Again, I could hear the whispers and see the gazes directed their way. When I was close enough to talk I heard Alexandria’s loud whisper.

“Old man Wes! Why is everybody staring at us? We have been the center of attention since we entered! What is going on?

I cleared my throat “Sir Foltest, Lady Valeria you didn’t happen to have a scuffle in the royal garden did you?” Sir Foltest and Valeria stared at each other.

Then Valeria spoke softly. “Yes, what about it.”

I was somehow able to keep the astonishment from my face. So, it is true! How that young lady was able to fight Sir Foltest I do not know but that does not matter right now. I have to let them know about the current situation.

As carts of food made their way to Lady Alexandria, I took the opportunity to dismiss the waiters and personally serve them. I grabbed a tray that contained a Whole turkey for Sir Foltest and began explaining. “It seems that aside from speculation on why so many people were summoned. Your Scuffle in the garden is the most popular gossip at the moment Sir Foltest.” I said setting the tray in front of him.

Other than Sir Foltest the group seemed shocked and talked amongst themselves while I got a tray of Brigette’s favorite seasoned duck legs with a side of potatoes and beans. “How are you feeling? “I asked worriedly I sat the tray down in front of her.

Brigette smiled at me brighter than any I had seen from her before. “Duck legs my favorite, I can’t believe you remembered! She said as she immediately took a bite before speaking again. “Father I’m feeling better than I have been in some time and I owe to our new allies.” She said pointing a duck leg at Oberon and Valeria.

I blinked in surprise turning to look at Oberon and Valeria, Oberon was discussing something with Alexandria and Valeria had gotten up at some point and was bringing a cart of food over herself. “I want you to tell me about how they helped you at a later time but what do you mean allies? Does that mean Oberon has decided to support Lady Alexandria in her endeavors?”

She nodded; her cheeks stuffed with potatoes reminding him of a chipmunk. I guess that explains why Oberon and Valeria have been in the company of Lady Alexandria the entire day. Then why did Sir Foltest attack Valeria? I will have to ask them.

I saw that Valeria had found mutton and fruit to serve Oberon while she had a small collection of soups and broth. Feeling bad that Lady Alexandria was the last to be served I brought the cart to her and served her all that was left. “Lady Alexandria I wanted to inform you that Sylvain has not been seen in quite some time and he has yet to show up. He may be planning something so be on guard my.” I said as I served her lamb chops, beef stew, and pies of all sorts.

“Thank you for informing me Wes I’ll be sure to be careful. But why are you giving me so much food? Do I look so gluttonous to you? Look at Sir Foltest he is nearly finished with his turkey and looks like he has the appetite to spare. The food should have gone to him.” She said pushing some trays to Sir Foltest who Burped after finishing his last piece of turkey then grabbed a pie.

I flushed in embarrassment and coughed. “Well, then I’ll take my leave and keep an eye out as best I can,” I instructed a waiter to take the empty food cart back to the kitchen and continued keeping watch waiting for Sylvain and the King.

Many nobles went to speak to Lady Alexandria’s group wanting to confirm the rumor and it looked to me that they were able to deal with them easily either dismissing them or directing them exclusively to Lady Alexandria no doubt trying to gain more support. Nearly an hour passed since Lady Alexandria and her group entered yet no sign of Sylvain was seen which was worrisome, to say the least.

Finally, the wooden doors creaked when opened once again this time King William Terramanz entered the dining hall flanked by the royal knight's commander Sir Joseph and his second in command Sir Kathleen a female knight. The King with the help of cosmetics and rest looked better than he had in a while. His hair was dyed black and curled though it was not the same stark black that he and his family was known for. His cheeks had a healthy blush and he walked posture straight an amicable smile on his face. People stood and bowed and some kneeled as the King made his way to the head of the table.

Curious, I looked at Oberon, and though I knew that he was not able to bow or kneel I was shocked when I saw that he did not even tilt his head in respect and was further shocked when I saw that his attendant Valeria who had no excuse to not bow or kneel was not even paying attention to the King but had her eyes closed seemingly concentrating on something her ears twitching occasionally for some reason.

Should I praise their boldness or curse their disrespect. As long as his Majesty does not notice nothing will come out of it.

King William Terramanz sat down at the head of the table his knights flanking him. Then he spoke his voice regal as it once was when he was younger.

“I am sure you are all wondering why I summoned you all here. I have heard your speculation ranging from me choosing my heir, a war with the Orion Kingdom, the threat of the Vigil syndicate, and even of an invasion from the unexplored lands. Let me put your speculation to rest, the truth is that all those issues except for an imagined invasion from the unexplored lands were what I summoned you all to discuss. “

The dining hall soon became noisy with loud whispers, shouts, and people talking over each other in excitement. Then the King Lifted his hand in a simple gesture to stop and said Firmly. “Enough!” Everybody eventually stopped talking and shouting and once again a quiet descended into the dining hall.

“I Will address the issue of the war with the Orion Kingdom first. As you are all aware Leonis borders on the territory of the Orion Kingdom, so they are the ones who are the most aware of their movement. My daughter Ludivine has been a guest in Leonis, and she and Margrave Allard received a report of worrying movements of the Orion Kingdom seemingly preparing for war.” Again, the dining hall grew loud until Ludivine, and her companions stood up. Drawing everyone’s attention.

Ludivine cleared her throat and spoke in her sing-song voice “Unfortunately Margrave Allard could not be here as he is raising an army in preparation for the possible Orion Kingdom attack. So, I decided to come here but I am not one for politics or war and I will not pretend that I am and instead let Lady Sirena the leader of the Leonis scouting team, and a woman the Margrave and I trust explain.”

Lady Sirena rested her spear on her shoulder and spoke. “Around a month ago my team and I were doing our usual patrol in the Leonis border when we encountered scouts from the Orion Kingdom. Now, it is an open secret between the two kingdoms that the border region of the Orion Kingdom and Leonis is where to send scouts to spy on each other so we occasionally encounter Orion scouts and the way we usually deal with such a situation is for both of us to reveal what we were doing providing a detailed explanation and showing our drawings journals and what have you to ensure that all we are doing is spying and not something more insidious.” She paused to pick up an apple and bit it making everyone wait in suspense.

She continued after she finished chewing. “So, there we were two scouting teams staring each other down knowing we had to reveal our information. I took off my knapsack and threw it at them waiting for them to do the same. Instead, they drew bows and spears on us. They were able to take out two of my subordinates with their bows, but we soon retaliated drawing our weapons, with two of my subordinates dead we were outnumbered 3 to 5. Fortunately, my team is well trained and my skill with a spear is quite good. I will not bore you all with the details but eventually, the three of us whittled down the other team to just one person. Curious as to why they attacked us I captured him alive to ask him some questions. It took some time and persuasion but eventually, he told us that they were probing the strength of Leonis to see how viable it was for the start of their invasion. The material that they had on them also confirmed this as they had details on how many knights there were, patrol times, how strong the border wall was, and more. I brought the information to Margrave Allard and Lady Ludivine, and they immediately sent word to the king. About a week later an Orion diplomat arrived at the gates of Leonis and demanded to see Margrave Allard. Margrave Allard wanted me to be there, so I was also present when the diplomat met with him. He did his usual diplomat thing and pussyfooted about why he was there until I asked him if he was there about his missing scouting team. He tried to deny it but after looking at his shocked expression I knew I hit the mark. Instead of wasting any more time I left and brought back what he was looking for, the heads of the Orion scouting party. We told him that we knew, and we sent him on his way. About 4 days later the diplomat returned with a message from their King, Peter Rayne that he wished to clear up the misunderstanding with our King William. This brings us to why we are here now. To decide how to handle this.” She bit into her apple and sat down with the rest of her companions the twins gave her a thumbs up and Ludivine softly clapped her hands.

I was somewhat aware of this whole situation, so I am not too shocked but to think that the Orion King is trying to shrug off a potential war as a misunderstanding. What is worse is that King William may have to accept that explanation as we are facing our problems here and a war with the Orion Kingdom is not something that we can afford.

The atmosphere in the dining hall was tense as no one dared speak afraid to say the wrong thing.

“You have no choice but to accept it as a misunderstanding don’t you, your Majesty.” Everybody turned in the direction of the voice wondering who dared speak up and they saw Oberon holding the King's gaze.

You are not wrong, but you can't just say it out loud Oberon!

A different tension was in the air as people now waited for what the King would say and if he took offense at what Oberon said.

King William nodded. “Yes. I have no choice but to accept it as a misunderstanding. We cannot afford a war with the Orion Kingdom at the moment as we are facing internal issues.” he replied calmly. “However, they don’t know that so we will convince them that we are strong and that it would be in their best interest if we accepted it as a misunderstanding.”

Oberon nodded and replied. “A show of strength then? Make them sue for peace before a war even begins and make them concede valuable resources to us and have them believe that is why we accepted it as a misunderstanding. Have you set the date for your meeting with the Orion King Peter Rayne?”

The king shook his head “Not yet, I waited till today to hear suggestions on how best to show our strength before setting the date. What do you think is the best way to do so Oberon?

“Allow me time to think and converse with my companions your Majesty. In the meantime, you can listen to everybody else’s suggestions.” He gestured around him.

Nobody could speak before because they were so caught up in the conversation between Oberon and the King but now that they were encouraged to do so they did not know what to say. Hushed whispers were coming from Oberon and his companions as they huddled and discussed. Other groups did the same thing, The nobles from Vesterwood, The combined companions of Bertrand and Ludivine as well as the nobles from Sagittae.

Is there a connection between Oberon and his Majesty that I missed? King William did not seem to mind Oberon speaking up and he even seemed to anticipate it, could this have something to do with why Oberon was invited?

Louis Flamberge the earl of Vesterwood stood up and said. “What better show of strength is there than showing up with an army your Majesty! We should show up with all of our knights, infantrymen, cavalry, every fighter we have and dare King Peter Rayne to invade!” He finished passionately.

The king stared at him before responding. “Taking our entire force with us would be ridiculous at the best of times but to do so now with the Vigil syndicate lurking in the shadows is madness. They have already proven themselves elusive and patient before striking. They are well trained and well-armed furthermore we do not know their reach. They could be an Orion creation made to weaken us overtime or a secret faction created by someone who wants to take the throne. Whatever they are, I do not want to imagine what they could do to the Kingdom with all our attention elsewhere.”

Louis Flamberge sat down embarrassed but continued discussing with the nobles from Vesterwood. Everybody else continued their discussions as well but seemed hesitant to speak up seeing Louis Flamberges' idea shot down.

Oberons group seemed to have agreed on something as they nodded to each other then Oberon's attendant Valeria Pushed him towards Bertrand and Ludivine. When the nobles gathered in the hall saw him make his way towards them they watched with something like anticipation in their eyes King William included, the only ones who did not were his father Louis Flamberge and the nobles from Vesterwood who glared venomously at him. Bertrand, Ludivine, and their companions made room for Oberon and Valeria allowing them in. Oberon seemed to be conversing with Lady Sirena from Ludivines group. Their conversation lasted for more than 30 minutes the twins and Ludivine occasionally adding something to the conversation then Oberon shook hands with Lady Sirena and turned to face the king.

“Your Majesty we may have a solution!” Oberon said and the King smiled and gestured for him to continue.

“Lady Sirena as the Leonis scout team leader has compiled plenty of information about the closest territory that Leonis borders in the Orion kingdom the Betelgeuse duchy. I believe that with Lady Sirena as the leader, she and a small team can infiltrate the Betelgeuse duchy and kidnap the duke and perhaps his family as well. I will let Lady Sirena explain the details.” Oberon said and Valeria pushed him away allowing Lady Sirena to take his place.

She spoke with a smirk. “When Oberon told me about his plan I thought he was insane but the more he talked about it the more I could see it working. To begin I want to let all of you know a bit about what I have compiled on the Betelgeuse duchy. First, their duke is a warrior, he leads all expeditions and battles so he will not cower from a fight and is known to accept duels on the battlefield. Second, the wall surrounding the duchy is old but tall and strong. Scaling it would be difficult however my team and I discovered a large crack about a year ago that allowed us to get inside if we squeezed. Since the time we discovered it, we would occasionally check up on it and widen the crack. Third, they are scheduled to have a festival celebrating the engagement of the duke’s son soon. Finally, what makes this crazy idea worth it is the identity of the duke. He is the younger brother of King Peter Rayne, Christopher Rayne!”

Everybody was silent waiting for the King to speak.” The ability to kidnap a duke and the younger brother of the Orion King would be an amazing show of strength and I believe could make King Peter Rayne yield even greater spoils but there are a lot of uncertainties. You say the duke is a warrior that accepts duels on the battlefield that speaks to me of someone strong are you certain you and your team can beat him if you draw him out? The crack you speak of in the wall when was the last time it was checked? Perhaps it has been discovered and covered up by now. But let us say everything works out you infiltrate the Betelgeuse duchy beat the duke and knock him unconscious how will you get him out of a duchy that will be searching for him? If you can answer me these questions and set my uncertainties aside I will allow you to carry out this mission.”

This time Oberon took over to answer the King's questions. “To answer your first question, yes we can assume Duke Christopher is strong, and I cannot speak for Lady Serena or her scouting team as I have not seemed them fight but the 2 people who will accompany Lady Serena and her team are people who I am confident that either one would be able to beat Duke Christopher. Sir Foltest and my attendant Valeria!” The King alternated between staring at Valeria and Sir Foltest.

His eyes finally settled on Sir Foltest. “Sir Foltest you are one of the strongest people I know, and I do not doubt that that you would be more than a match for Duke Christopher. But I do not know this Valeria, yet rumor has reached my ear that she had a confrontation with you and managed to put you on the defensive can you tell me if there is any truth to that.”

Sir Foltest grabbed the last piece of pie at his table and ate it with one bite. “I would not say that she put me on the defensive, but she is certainly strong and though we only traded blows once before stopping she was one of the best I have encountered, and Oberon came into this den of snakes with just her so he has confidence in her strength as well.”

Conversations began immediately no doubt the guests excited that the rumor proved to be true. Amidst the conversation, the King raised his voice bringing everybody back to the topic at hand. “I will trust you word Sir Foltest, Oberon continue.”

Oberon who was talking with Lady Sirena turned back to the King and spoke “According to Lady Sirena the last time they checked on the crack was about five days ago as she wanted to check on it personally before coming here with Lady Ludivine. By all accounts, the crack has yet to be covered up and has gotten quite big. As you may have guessed your Majesty getting the duke out will be the biggest challenge. This is why infiltrating during the festival will be key. With all attention on the duke’s son and his engagement, Lady Sirena and her team will sneak him out before the duchy becomes aware he is missing. I realize that we are making a lot of assumptions that everything will go as well as we said but I truly believe that this is the best solution.”

King William looked over the dining hall contemplating. “Does anyone have any other suggestions?” The sound of whispering resounded throughout the hall, but nobody spoke up. Realizing that no one was going to do so the King spoke. “I am still not entirely convinced that this mission will work but it is indeed the best solution at the moment so I will approve of it, however, if someone proposes something better within the day or the morrow I will stop the mission. When do you plan on executing the mission? The King asked and Lady Sirena answered.

“The festival is scheduled to start in 8 days. It will take 2 days and a half to traverse the border region between Leonis and Betelgeuse on foot. So, the mission will be executed 4 days from now and I hope to leave for Leonis as soon as possible with Oberon, Valeria, and Sir Foltest to prep my team.”

Now that they are allies I wonder if Lady Alexandria and Brigette will make for Leonis as well? I do not know how much input Lady Alexandria had in making this plan but since Sir Foltest is involved she probably had a considerable say.

“Very well you may leave tomorrow evening.” The King said. “Now let us discuss the matter of the Vigil syndicate before we rest.” As soon as he said that there were restless murmurs and voices of concern.

“Your highness I know that they have been a bit troublesome as of late but is there a need to be so wary of them? There are no signs of them in the Ursae Earldom.” A handsome man with reddish hair and brown eyes said a noble from Ursae no doubt.

King William glared at him, “It is exactly thoughts like those that have allowed the Vigil syndicate to grow so strong within our empire you Fool! The king stood up yelling shocking the redheaded noble and everybody else as well.

The King calmed down and slowly sat down no doubt in pain after standing up so suddenly. “Our arrogance blinds us and makes us believe that no criminal would be a threat to us yet now we are being reminded that we are no different from everybody else. I’m sure you all know of Lord Lisandres's sudden death last year or rather his assassination.” The nobles nodded uncomfortably and the nobles from the Sagittarii duchy looked away in shame.

King William continued speaking. “Since he was a noble from the Sagittarii duchy and served as a direct subordinate to my son Sylvain I had hoped to ask him if he knew more about his death, yet I cannot find him here.” He searched for him in the dining hall finally settling his gaze on the nobles from the Sagittarii duchy. “Since he is not here you lot will have to do, how goes the investigation into his death that I instructed you to perform?

The nobles glanced nervously at each other deciding who should speak and a young man with golden curls and a soft face stood and spoke. “We spoke to his house servants about what he was doing before his death, and they talked of him leaving in the dead of night with a cloak often carrying a knapsack. They said he would return an hour or two later his knapsack empty. We searched his room and office for anything suspicious but found nothing. We asked if he had anywhere he liked to frequent in his manor, and we were directed to his horse stable as he was an avid equestrian. There we found loose boards in a small corner and what we found was.” He hesitated perhaps not wanting to say what he found.

“Well? Speak man!” The king said irritated.

The golden curled young man swallowed and spoke. “We found proof that he was a spy or perhaps turncoat is the better word as there were journals detailing movements of various people in the duchy and we also found a letter that confessed to his crimes.” He pulled out a letter from his coat and looked at the king asking permission to read it the King nodded giving his permission.

He cleared his throat and began reading.

“To whoever reads this letter, I am most likely dead, so I wish to leave this message as my confession and as a warning of what is to come. For the past three years now, I have served as the unwilling spy for a man. I do not know this man and know not his name or his face for we always met in the cover of darkness, and he wore a mask. I did not know him, but he knew me he knew my secrets my ambitions and my sins, he used that information to force me to serve as his spy for I did not want it to be known what I was and even now writing this letter in confession I am too ashamed to let it be known.

He often instructed me to get close to one noble or another and report on their activities. At the time I did not know what his goal was, for nothing of concern had happened in the duchy and for a time I thought he simply meant to extort money from me and those that he had me spy on. Then a year and a half after I met that man, Lord Florian died. It was assumed that his heart failed him but I thought differently because he was one of the men I was instructed to get close to. I wanted to think it a coincidence but then Lord Hugo someone else I was spying on was proclaimed missing after a hunting trip where he was never found. That is when I realized that somehow that man was involved, and I was to blame as well for spying on them.

Fearing for my life and for what he might do next I hired mercenaries to ambush and kill that man when we next met. I Had them hide near the woods where I met that man 6 hours before we usually met so they would not be detected and instructed them to kill a man in a mask. I made for the woods at our scheduled meeting time to confirm he was dead, but when I arrived that man was questioning the only living mercenary as everyone else I saw to my horror was dead. I made to run away not wanting to be noticed by that man but an arrow passing over my head stopped me. I turned around and saw that man staring in my direction and in the trees above him I saw gleaming arrow tips. Realizing that every time we met he was never alone.

I thought that he would kill me for what I did but he just laughed darkly and told me it was a good attempt and gave me my next assignment. I no longer felt strong or brave enough to oppose him so I just did what he told me hoping he would not kill me. This relationship went on for three years and in that time I had gotten close to Prince Sylvain as instructed and when I reported to that man that Prince Sylvain was raising an army he fell into thought and most likely spoke unconsciously “This changes things I will have to let the boss know.” Startled he turned to look at me his eyes behind the mask examining me. I trembled for I knew then that I was not supposed to hear about his “boss” and that he was contemplating killing me on the spot.

He did not of course or else I would not be able to write this letter, but I know that whenever that man no longer needs me I will die. So, I will leave behind what little I know about this enemy. I do not believe that I am the only noble forced to spy for them because that man once told me in a moment where I stood up to him that “You are not nearly as necessary or valuable as you believe.” No doubt warning me that I was replaceable. Their boss is an important secret as I will likely die because I heard of his existence. I believe that the Vigil syndicate that I hear tales of and that man are the same, for they operate similarly. That is all I am certain about after my three years of spying for them. It is not much I know, but I can only hope it is enough for forgiveness when it is discovered that I was a spy.”

The letter folding was the only thing heard in the dining hall everybody else silent in worry and shock.

I hope that after what we just heard the nobles do not start getting suspicious of each other, but I do not think that will be possible. Sylvain raising an army is also concerning, I hope it is not overlooked. I thought as I knew everybody would be focusing on the Vigil syndicate first.

King William stood up and glared at the people in the dining hall. “Is there any who would dare underestimate our enemy after hearing that! They could be among us this ver-.”

Before the king could finish speaking the wooden doors to the Dining hall slammed open and Wes saw knights and guards running outside and the palace staff running away. The knight came in carrying a bloodied Sylvain though he was alive based on his breathing and his murderous glare. People jumped up in shock and others drew weapons going out of the dining hall to check out the commotion.

“Physician!” The knight exclaimed tiredly.

What is this? I expected Sylvain to leave someone bloodied not the other way around.

The king along with Sir Joseph and Sir Kathleen made their way to the knight and Sylvain. “What happened!?” King William demanded.

The knight glanced up nervously but before he could speak Sylvain yelled. “Assassin! Alexandria that bitch sent an assassin after me!”